"Yes, we have written a letter to the ECB asking them what action they have taken against Broad for comments he has made against Ajmal," Subhan Ahmed, the chief operating officer of the PCB, said. "These comments are distressing for Ajmal who is upset and wants the ECB to take action."

Ajmal is currently playing for Worcestershire as an overseas player in the County Championship. He claimed 13 wickets in their recent victory over Essex, including a career-best haul of 7 for 19 in the second innings.

That led to Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, posting a still photograph of Ajmal bowling during the game on Twitter with the caption: "You are allowed 15 degrees of flex in your delivery swing.... #justsaying."

Broad then replied with the comment: "This has to be a fake photo?!" before a further tweet stated, "Bowlers can bowl very differently in a lab while being tested compared to needing wickets in the middle."

Ajmal had concluded that this implied that the action he uses in a match situation is not the same as that used in testing, and that the comments insinuate his action may not be legitimate. He had instructed his agent to talk to the PCB and ECB about the comments and, as ESPNcricinfo had reported on Thursday, seek an explanation.